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October 31, 2012

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty- He is the King of glory.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

Most church attenders, old school and new, have heard this passage of scripture set to music. What image comes to mind first when you hear the challenge to doors and gates? Do you see garage doors that open at the press of a button or doors with the step on a pressure plate? Do you see the gates to your yards or your front door? If so, then it may not have made sense to you for the psalmist to declare to gates and doors to be lifted up and open. That is because the psalmist was not speaking to literal doors and gates as we know them as inanimate objects. He was speaking to the shepherds and rulers of home, city and nation who stood at the gates of their people to protect and preserve. Jesus taught that He was the sheepgate through which His flock passes from the field to the sheep pen. The thief tries to come in through a window or narrow opening which distinguishes them from the shepherd. The elders of the city sat at the city gate as the gatekeepers of their community for business, morality and spirituality. But, what happens when these “gates and doors” become closed in fear of the enemy’s threat of attack. The open door policy no longer exists. In order to gain entrance one must have the password. But, no one had the password because of the fear of telling the wrong person and they would be able to gain entrance and destroy. Even our computer systems have gatekeepers to guard against viral attacks and hacks. But, in all reality, the true gatekeeper is the owner operator of the system. Who was the psalmist speaking to? Was it not those who ought to be the mighty men of God?

If God is for us then nothing can stand against us and prevail. If God is our aim then our efforts will never miss the mark. If God is our purpose then our success is sure. If God is our King of glory then the light of life will dwell in our place. It is imperative that today’s mighty men of God maintain their place at the doorways to the hearts and lives of those entrusted to them. You are the shepherds of a mighty flock. It is upon you to guard and preserve, to protect and proclaim. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and make ready for the King of glory to enter your hearts, your family, your home, your community, your church, your business, your nation and your world. Inanimate objects can be no more than idols. They are useful against the enemy only if you were to throw them. But, when you command the Word of God to be spoken and lived out then no force can stand against you. So, when you hear those songs again, sing them this way in your spirit:

“Lift up your heads, mighty men of God; lift them up, God’s mighty men, that the King of glory may enter in. Who is He, this King of Glory? The Lord Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit- He is the King of Glory.”

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those across the northern tier of the United States as superstorm Sandy continues to be a weather changer; 33 lives lost so far and millions without power
* For our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully; and all other political spokespeople to remember the necessity to “love one another”
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Israel
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* My brother is healing from cancer treatments and deliverance is in God’s hands
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, our eyes and ears, our hearts and mind, are turned toward You and are open for You to come in and dwell forever. Bless the pathways, gateways and doorways of the habitations of Your mighty men so they will be protected against the attack of the thief who only wants to rob and steal. Enter in, King of glory, we look for You and are glad to have You with us. AMEN.

October 30, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Luke 9.51-53

“As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for Him; but the people there did not welcome Him because He was heading for Jerusalem.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

We hear in the distance a voice in the wind “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His path.” It was the wind in the sails of the disciples as the taste of victory was on their lips. It was a sweet fragrance of success that lifted them up from learning to be disciples to yearning to be validated. They had no idea what was about to happen in Jesus’ ministry, even though He had warned them, but they knew something was up. The command to head in the direction of Jerusalem had a different air to it this time. It was time for the paths to be made straight, roadblocks removed and the way of the Triumphant King of Kings to be announced. “Their” Jesus the Christ was about to fulfill all righteousness and “they,” He, would not be detered.

Imagine the disappointment the disciples must have felt when one village in Samaria did not share their enthusiasm. James and John would cry out for permission to bring hellfire and brimstone down on them just as God had released judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. I have no doubt the sentiment of the others was echoed behind the Sons of Thunder. But, Jesus simply rebuked the disciples and urged them on to the next city. His was not a roadshow that needed to make stops along the way motivating nor validating His mission. We do not know what He said to them but He might need to say it to the mighty men of today in their journey to the moment when Jesus will be fully revealed before all our world. I believe it was probably a statement of priority in light of the Samaritan proposal and can serve as a reminder about our priorities as well.

3) Jesus said to the woman at the well, “The day will come when you will worship neither here no in Jerusalem.” Why would the leaders of that unnamed city in Samaria be so rude as to deny lodging for Jesus and His disciples because they were headed for Jerusalem? Jesus did not cast dispersion upon the Samaritans; His contemporaries in Israel certainly would have. In a means of drawing a distinction, everything that wasn’t Jerusalem and the surrounding area was seen as not truly “Israel.” The battle between the “northern” and the “southern” kingdoms existed in the hearts, mind and history of the populace even if it didn’t show up on a map. Samaritans were seen as half-Jews without the full benefit of the blessing of God. But, that was never an opinion Jesus held. His story of the good Samaritan is a point in case as was the recollection of the woman at the well. No, this wasn’t an issue for Jesus. All of God’s people were His people. But, it seemed to be an issue still for those who were more earthly-minded than heavenly-oriented. Jerusalem represented a roadblock in their lives. It was the seat of Israel and of power; a truth even the Romans knew all too well. As Jerusalem goes so goes the region. It had always been this way even in the days of Melchizadek who was not Jewish either but a God-fearer. The very fact that Jesus was headed to Jerusalem resounded in their broken lives as a decision to maintain the stereotype they believed they lived under. They may have well read into Jesus’ “passing through” as a way of saying they were no better than second class citizens unworthy of His extended visit and the displaying of God’s power in teachings and miracles. Perhaps what they wanted was more of Jesus but on their terms of come to me. In fact, what Jesus wanted was “come to God, come and see, be reconciled.” Jesus knew Jerusalem wasn’t perfect. Its temple practices were abominations, its markets corrupt, its government tainted by compromise with the Romans, its people overtaxed and overburdened. Yet, the temple was still a House of God, its markets filled with the bounty of the land, its government was to be respected alongside of God and its people were to be liberated from the greater enemy of sin and Satan. But, maybe in the hearts and minds of these out-of-towners and down-and-outers Jerusalem just wasn’t worth the effort. To them maybe Jesus looked like a loser in search of a lost cause and Jerusalem was it.

As mighty men of God we must remember the call of covenant “Those who bless Israel, bless God and they themselves shall be blessed.” They do not serve God to get a blessing but they know that blessings flow when blessings are given and shared. No matter what, Israel remains the seat of chosenness. God so loved the world that He gave up His only Son to earthly living in its fullness from birth to death and then blessed Him with the newness of life. God’s purpose was to demonstrate His faithfulness and love to Jerusalem- His first love. They are God’s people, the sheep of His pasture. Jesus was the Good Shepherd come to gather the lost of Israel along with all the rest of the flock that had any and all connections with God’s “yous.” That would be us just like it was the Samarians and Samaritans, the lost tribes of Israel and those that never wandered. If Jesus didn’t go to Jerusalem, then God really didn’t love her, her people and all her offspring. Jesus couldn’t turn His back on the apple of God’s eye and taste of fruit from other trees in the orchard of the world. It was Jerusalem or nothing which made it Jerusalem and everything. He wept over Jerusalem. He bled and died over Jerusalem. He was raised and glorified over Jerusalem. He was anointed the King of Jerusalem by His obedience to God and His refusal to submit to Satan. Because He chose God and Jerusalem, He chose us. Now we, as God’s mighty men, must choose to bless God by blessing Israel and the Church. There can be no separation of the two. They are like the sons of the Prodigal Father- one renewed and restored and one that had remained faithful and true to his lawful duties. God loves them both and desires only the best for them. One understands grace and one will come to understand it through Him. Jesus didn’t choose a people for God. He represented God’s choosing all people who choose Him as their God and serve Him only.

Mighty men of God choose this day whom You will serve; as for me and my house we will serve the Lord our God whether in Jerusalem, Judea, the far reaches of the world or right here at home.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those across the northern tier of the United States as superstorm Sandy continues to be a weather changer; 15 lives lost so far and millions without power
* For our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully; and all other political spokespeople to remember the necessity to “love one another”
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Ireland
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* My brother is healing from cancer treatments and deliverance is in God’s hands
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, bless our houses and make them safehavens of rest not as temples and sanctuaries of our own making but as homes of faith, hope and love in which Jesus is welcome to stay as He may as He goes into all the world making disciples in all nations. AMEN.

October 29, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Luke 9.51-53

“As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for Him; but the people there did not welcome Him because He was heading for Jerusalem.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

We hear in the distance a voice in the wind “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His path.” It was the wind in the sails of the disciples as the taste of victory was on their lips. It was a sweet fragrance of success that lifted them up from learning to be disciples to yearning to be validated. They had no idea what was about to happen in Jesus’ ministry, even though He had warned them, but they knew something was up. The command to head in the direction of Jerusalem had a different air to it this time. It was time for the paths to be made straight, roadblocks removed and the way of the Triumphant King of Kings to be announced. “Their” Jesus the Christ was about to fulfill all righteousness and “they,” He, would not be detered.

Imagine the disappointment the disciples must have felt when one village in Samaria did not share their enthusiasm. James and John would cry out for permission to bring hellfire and brimstone down on them just as God had released judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. I have no doubt the sentiment of the others was echoed behind the Sons of Thunder. But, Jesus simply rebuked the disciples and urged them on to the next city. His was not a roadshow that needed to make stops along the way motivating nor validating His mission. We do not know what He said to them but He might need to say it to the mighty men of today in their journey to the moment when Jesus will be fully revealed before all our world. I believe it was probably a statement of priority in light of the Samaritan proposal and can serve as a reminder about our priorities as well.

2) It is said “Your heart is where your money is at or is it your money is where your heart is at.” Doesn’t make much difference because there seems to be a relationship between our passion and our pocket. With the iupcoming elections, the media and the debates have focused heavily on the financial state of the nation and of the world. Everyone has their spin on what is the problem and the solution. But, truth be told, financial problems are indicators of spiritual problems. Money isn’t really what makes the world go round but it does make heads spin in a whirling dervish. At times it sounds like a Red Riding Hood story…too much, too little or just right. When Jesus’ disciples approached the city gate of that Samaritan city to make arrangements for His stay on His way to Jerusalem the news sounded like good news to them. But, the good news the disciples wanted to proclaim wasn’t the good news the city fathers wanted to hear. “What’s in it for me?” was probably more the question they asked of the disciples. The disciples were looking for a place to sleep and eat for the night. The elders of the town were looking at a financial boon with the Prophet and Teacher and His entourage coming to town. Jesus didn’t travel alone. In fact, by this time, there was in excess of 70 men (and more if you considered the fact that some of them had their spouses and families with them). This was a considerable number of people to provide for. Perhaps they could be convinced to stay, build homes (like Peter wanted to build booths on the Mount of Transfiguration), raise their families and contribute to the tax base. Deals could be struck to build a synagogue with a school or at least a coffee shop where Jesus could hang out to teach those who would come to town to see Him. Maybe a new inn needed to be built and they could have Jesus as part of the advertisement. The bottom line was we don’t mind cutting you a deal but what’s in it for me. The disciples may have offered the same as Peter and John would on their way to pray as recorded in Acts (Silver and gold have I none but such as I have give I thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.) The disciples had the greatest treasure ever told but it didn’t make dollars and “sense” to those of the Samaritan city. They would not be in town long enough to provide the anticipated windfall. No deposit, no return, so move on your way.

As mighty men of God have we ever fallen into the trap of “what’s in it for me” to decide how much we will follow Jesus? The parable is told of the invitation extended to honored guests to come to a wedding but their business got in the way. So, the invitation was extended to those of lesser means and the whole house was filled. Zaccheus was a rich man because he was a tax collector but one night with Jesus made him the richest man because he recognized he was a sinner now saved by Christ. Jesus was willing to invest His all for our sake. What are we willing to invest for His? Do we dare put restrictions on our relationship with the Lord of Lords and King of Kings? Or are we willing to put “all in” and align ourselves fully and completely with Him for eternity?

(More on this encounter tomorrow. Where there was a “1 and 2” God has shown me a third. I can’t wait to share His Word for our Todays ahead.)

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those along the US east coast in the face of the superstorm Sandy
* For our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully; and all other political spokespeople to remember the necessity to “love one another”
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Iraq
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* My brother is healing from cancer treatments and deliverance is in God’s hands
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, all to thee we surrender for the sake of the gospel and for Your will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. AMEN.

October 28, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Luke 9.51-53

“As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for Him; but the people there did not welcome Him because He was heading for Jerusalem.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

We hear in the distance a voice in the wind “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His path.” It was the wind in the sails of the disciples as the taste of victory was on their lips. It was a sweet fragrance of success that lifted them up from learning to be disciples to yearning to be validated. They had no idea what was about to happen in Jesus’ ministry, even though He had warned them, but they knew something was up. The command to head in the direction of Jerusalem had a different air to it this time. It was time for the paths to be made straight, roadblocks removed and the way of the Triumphant King of Kings to be announced. “Their” Jesus the Christ was about to fulfill all righteousness and “they,” He, would not be detered.

Imagine the disappointment the disciples must have felt when one village in Samaria did not share their enthusiasm. James and John would cry out for permission to bring hellfire and brimstone down on them just as God had released judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. I have no doubt the sentiment of the others was echoed behind the Sons of Thunder. But, Jesus simply rebuked the disciples and urged them on to the next city. His was not a roadshow that needed to make stops along the way motivating nor validating His mission. We do not know what He said to them but He might need to say it to the mighty men of today in their journey to the moment when Jesus will be fully revealed before all our world. I believe it was probably a statement of priority in light of the Samaritan proposal and can serve as a reminder about our priorities as well.

1) They, the Samaritans, did not want Jesus to merely pass through their fine community and spend the night. They wanted Him to stay with them and become an inconic tourist token with a sign just outside of town that said “Jesus slept here.” If Jesus wouldn’t serve the purpose of the Chamber of Commerce then He could just move on. Jesus had a different purpose though. He was no more this town than He was about Capernaum, Nazareth, Bethsaida, Bethlehem or Alexandria. He wasn’t really about Jerusalem either though it would be His ministerial point of demarcation where the line would be drawn in the sand. In “Texas” words, Jerusalem would be His Alamo that men would rally around in remembrance. No, Jesus wasn’t about any certain city specificially or cities at all. Jesus was about doing God’s will for the sake of all of God’s people. There was no time to stay and linger.

As mighty men of God, haven’t we wanted for Jesus just to come and stay with us. Haven’t we wanted Him to come and break bread at our table, leave His sandals by the door and become one of the family? Haven’t we wanted to make Jesus comfortable in the midst of our lives and become just one of us? Have we hindered Him somehow with our own agenda to make of our House a righteous dwelling place where Jesus had been instead of hearing Him call us out of our houses to join Him on the path of righteousness for God’s sake to bring Good News and fulfillment to all of God’s people? Have we been disappointed when Jesus’ priority in life has conflicted with our own; where our agendas didn’t seem to match up quite right and we just couldn’t “go along” with the purpose of His calling in our own heart, mind and soul? Have we said at some time words of bargaining with the Holy Spirit about “if only, then I will.” Have we been upset with others who just didn’t match our own fervor for the gospel (whether ours matches Jesus’ or not) lacking an understanding for where they were coming from while we sure had an inkling about where they were “going”? Have we at some time lost sight of the vision because we were painting our own vistas? It is about right priorities. Whether it was the disciples or the leaders at the gate of that unnamed Samaritan village it was the priority of Jesus that was the straight and narrow. Mighty men of God cannot hinder others nor themselves with a loss of sight for the vision, mission and purpose of God expressed best in Jesus Christ. Nothing is more important than He. We cannot make of Him something to suit our purpose. Rather, we should be fitted for service to the purpose of the King of Kings whom we follow and serve.

(More on this encounter tomorrow. If there is a “1” there will be a “2” and God has shown me a third. I can’t wait to share His Word for our Todays ahead.)

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those who will lead God’s people in worship, praise and service this weekend
* For those along the US east coast in the face of the superstorm Sandy
* For our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully; and all other political spokespeople to remember the necessity to “love one another”
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Iran
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* My brother is healing from cancer treatments and deliverance is in God’s hands
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, refocus our vision so that Your purpose is clear to us. While Jesus came to serve us in righteousness, He did not come to serve us on our terms. Bless these mighty men with terms of endearment and support them with knowledge and wisdom as they make their way along the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. AMEN.

October 26, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Ephesians 4.9-10

“What does ‘He ascended’ mean ecxcvept that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very One who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

Look, up in the sky…it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no….it is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings! What? You thought it was Superman? Oh, mighty men of God, you are God’s supermen. You are super men because you have dared to believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God and commit yourselves to Him as your personal Lord and Savior. You are convinced of His power and might because He proved Himself before God and all of the world (that which is on earth, below the earth and above) by emptying Himself of everything that made for life including His Holy Spirit which He breathed into the world that we might have life and have it abundantly and with prosperity of faith, hope and love. Yes, He breathed His last upon the earth blessing us and surrendering His Spirit into the Hands of God. But, before God raised Him up He did not spare Him the experience of the consequence of sin which was more than just dying on the cross crucified. He allowed Him to descend into the pits of Hell where those who were without faith and grace had been in waiting (including the penitent thief). Imagine how much power Jesus had even in death that He could speak to the dead in Hell as He did on earth and bring them to life (at least those who would believe.) And when God raised Him from among the dead the captives of Hell who now experienced the Son of God and heard His gospel hope were raised with Him. Wow! And that power is in us! We are resurrectionists! We are to preach the gospel of life with a power over death. We are more than conquerors through Him who has loved us out of death into life. We praise God in the face of death daily and do what He has shown us to do. We may not fly over tall buildings but we will soar into the heights of heaven. We may not be faster than a speeding bullets but we are quick to respond to the needs of God’s people with the power of prayer and the keys of the kingdom. We may not be stronger than a locomotive but we are on the train that is bound for glory. Rise up, mighty men of God, you are not dead nor defeated even if you feel deflated. God is inspiring you with His Holy Spirit which He breathed into you from the cross so that you might live, have life and make disciples of all nations (not some) and of all people (and not just a few.)

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those who will lead God’s people in worship, praise and service this weekend
* For our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully; and all other political spokespeople to remember the necessity to “love one another”
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Indonesia
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* Testing week is over
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, we praise You for your glory and honor and power and dominion and authority. We humble ourselves in the light of the trust and faith You have in us. You count us as worthy, we are honored. But, Lord do not forsake us. Stand with us in Spirit and in Truth. AMEN.

October 25, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Deuteronomy 16.15

“For seven days celebrate the Feast to the Lord your God at the place the Lord will choose. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

I don’t know about you but I do know what is true about me. As a man, I crave completion. I am not satisfied until a job is done and a task is finished. It is difficult for me sometimes to find joy in my work because I have so many different tasks that are ongoing- they never seem to end. I can barely finish one when two more rise up and I lose sight of the the first. If I have no completion then I have little reason to have joy. That is why I love mowing my yard. Mowing my yard has a beginning and an ending. Yes, I will have to do it again but I know when I am finished because I have covered the whole area assigned to me and sometimes the yards next to me as well. But, I can see “it is finished, it is done” and I can breathe a sigh of relief and joy. I have to remind myself to have a few small things I can do each day to completion. In the midst of larger and more long-term tasks which seem to endure forever, if I have a couple of small and short-term goals I can manage then I can move ahead more freely.

So what does that have to do with being a mighty man of God? We should live in joy because our work for life is already done. I listen as others talk about their plans for retirement. They have been able to set money aside and invest so that when their labors are done- what earns the money, their joy can be complete (and let the money do all the work.) They are still looking forward to when their joy will be complete. It sounds a lot like “reaching a goal.” God declared to the mighty men of Israel so set aside seven days to celebrate the harvest. Harvest was a time of joy. They knew the feeling of completion because of previous harvests. They knew the days of celebration and non-work which would come at the end. They knew of the glad tidings, culture and climate that would impact the whole of the community. Their joy would be complete. I look forward to that kind of joy as well but it will be at God’s command. At this moment, God asks for harvesters in the fields ripe with harvest. He wants joy to be complete as each one of His children is brought home from the fields of life into the Heavenly silos. Isn’t that our true joy as mighty men of God? Isn’t it about harvest time? If we find the time to bring one person a day to Jesus then maybe all the rest of the work we do will look different, feel different and become joyful work as well. Perhaps it is a time to rest from our labors and fast for the work is coming. The season of completed joy is at hand. Jesus has already completed the labor for eternal life, we just have to focus on the small daily tasks given to us to share the gospel truth and gather in what God has redeemed.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully; and all other political spokespeople to remember the necessity to “love one another”
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of India
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* Last day of testing week
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, forgive us when we have lost sight of our true purpose which is to be harvesters in the fields of life. May we be able to keep our labors of the kingdom and of the world in proper perspective so that we may glorify and honor Your Name in Jesus Christ. AMEN.

October 24, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Genesis 2.1

“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

From the cross, Jesus declared to Heaven and earth “It is finished. It is done.” Then He breathed His last. This is the same Christ through whom all things that are were created. It is He through whom God breathed a last breath of creation into lifeless, formless body of man and brought him to life. It was with the last breath of Christ that the new man had life and had it abundantly. It was not the inhale that was being considered but the exhale. As humans we exhale carbon dioxide. It is what is left when all the oxygen has flowed through the body and created all the necessary reactions and the blood then carries the impure air out of our systems. But, God created a different system to purify the air so we could breathe easily and healthily. With God, His exhale was the Holy Spirit. It was not the impurity because God is not impure. God breathed His Holy Spirit into man and set into motion the complete plan of creation. Jesus breathed His last and gave up His Spirit so that those who would believe in Him would become mighty men of God. How? Because He breathed His powerful, wonderful, life-filled, Holy Spirit onto the world to bring it to new life. What He left behind was the beginnings of the Church, the whole people of God filled with the possibility of being brought back to God. Close your eyes and imagine Jesus breathing His last breath into your defeated life as with spiritual resuscitation. His last breath becomes your first. You are breathing now the breath of God in Jesus Christ. The work which was begun in you was already finished in Christ. He has done the hard work for us. That doesn’t mean our work is easy. It does mean it isn’t impossible so we can focus just on doing the work without worrying about success or failure. If we believe we will be successful in doing the work which Christ has left in us!

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully; and all other political spokespeople to remember the necessity to “love one another”
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession

* For protection from the suffering heat in the hottest year recorded thus far and the end of this
drought now covering 60% of this country (and the more throughout the world)
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Iceland
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* Drew’s mother is improving and has gone home
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, for that which we are about to do we are thankful. We are just the harvesters- you have planted, watered, warmed and nurtured into fruitfulness. What joy there is left for us! AMEN.

October 23, 2012

“I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

What? Did you say that you are a child of free will and free choice and therefore not obligated to anyone for anything? Do you think that freedom was the beginning of all things? In the beginning, there was chaos that identified the world and the universe it existed in. We were a people founded in the midst of chaos being tamed and ordered by God. Our roots were not in the chaos but in the ordered purpose of God who saw the good in the midst of the chaos and brought it to light with His light. What is His Light? It was and is and will always be the Holy Spirit of God which communicates the glory of God to all in the way it can be best understood. God communicated our nature and purpose in the light of His glory and grace. He chose to freely do so. He was obliged to Himself by His very nature of love and creativity to take a bad situation and make it better. He chose best how to do it. His design and plan is questioned on earth but not in Heaven. The designers, the workers and the sidewalk supervisors understood the plan perfectly. What they knew was the free will and free choice are gifts of a loving God who is free to love us without rules. God just loves us. He loves us when we are good. He loves us when we are bad (and He prefers we would be good.) He loves us when we are stuck between the two (and He prefers we would choose and be one or the other.) But, freedom is not an “accident” of creation. Freedom is a product of love which not only forms creation but reforms it.

Do not allow yourselves to be convinced that all there is in the world and all that is in your possession is yours alone. You did not create it. In most instances you earned it; in others, you learned it. At times you spurned it; at others you discerned it. There are times when you have even spurned it. But, there are those moments when you were surprised by grace and received what you did not deserve and what you had not earned. It was by the gifting of the Mighty God that you were blessed in a measure you had not discerned. But, there is nothing that is that has its roots in anything apart from God. Its beginning and its end are found in God. It is the same for the mighty men of God. So, it is curious that someone would declare “I am obligated to no one.” At the very least, you are obligated to yourself to find the truth, search its depths, put ownership to take and set it free to work it creative, loving and transforming power in you, through you and with you. If you are not willing to be obligated to yourself then you are not a product of light and life but chaos and death. Harsh? Truth hurts. If you are not a child of the truth then you are a child of the lie. You weren’t always a child of the lie. You were not created in a lie though lies may have been told to bring you into the world. The process which caused your conception and your birth is not based in the lie of chaos but in the hope of God. So, be careful with your conviction of an unobligated life. You owe it to yourself and those who are counting on you to do all you can to make the best use of the best life which is yours in Christ Jesus!

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For those our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character, strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully
* For protection from the suffering heat in the hottest year recorded thus far and the end of this
drought now covering 60% of this country (and the more throughout the world)
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Hungary
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* Drew’s mother is improving and has gone home
* That which is lost shall be found!
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, for who we are and what we are becoming in Christ Jesus we give thanks. Open our eyes to see the glorious truths you are preparing to reveal to us today about what more we can do and so in bringing hope to a world that sees only chaos. AMEN.

October 22, 2012

“I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

Who are you obligated to? As mighty men of God are we not obligated to God who is the author of our salvation? Have we not pledged our commitment to serve Him alone and no other? Do we not declare our allegiance to Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, that we might follow Him all the days of our lives? Is it not He who took our sins to the cross of Calvary on Golgotha’s Hill so that once and for all death is put in its place as no enemy of God’s mighty men? Was it not He whom God raised from the grave having rolled the stone away to reveal an empty tomb as it shall be for us on the day of our being called into the fullness of eternal life? Is it not He who freely gives mercy and grace even while we were yet sinners? If then we owe our lives to Him whose Name is above all Names are we then not obligated to be His messengers and live life as it was meant to be so that others might enjoy this same life with us?

Then, being so obligated albeit freely, with whom are we eager to share the Good News? Are we filled with anticipation to proclaim His righteousness to the needy and His grace to the outcast? Do we have a name in mind or are we preparing ourselves for “whosoever will”? As mighty men of God we must be at the ready to be His evangelists, His mentors, His disciples and His brothers as sons and co-heirs of the Kingdom of Righteousness. Today is your day.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For those our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character,
strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully
* For protection from the suffering heat in the hottest year recorded thus far and the end of this
drought now covering 60% of this country (and the more throughout the world)
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Honduras
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family; safe journey for Mallory and Andrew back to Kentuckiana

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* Drew’s mother is improving and has gone home
* That which is lost shall be found!
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, for the work which these are about to do in Your Name we are mutually supportive and decidedly enthusiastic. As Your Will is done, let Heaven and earth proclaim glory and honor to the King. AMEN.

October 20, 2012

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

What if every church, sanctuary and gathering place for Christ followers was seen as the tomb in which Jesus was buried, how would people respond to them? Would they be like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who went to look at it as if it were now a place of holy history and a place of sorrows? Would they anticipate a museum with talking points in reviewing how things were and might have been, if only? Would they bring their token offerings for the dead to make sure appropriate conventions were maintained as stewards of the site? Would they talk quietly between themselves for fear of being discovered and told to keep a proper distance by the ruling authorities? Would there be any anticipation of being surprised by grace? Are these descriptions any different from those we have taken ourselves when we “go to to church” on the first day of the week? Is our place of worship a place of the dead and buried where hope and promise is forgotten? Is our time there a sad and somber remembrance of the past and missed opportunities? Is our purpose there to maintain conventions and appearances? Is our hope there to not be surprised and challenged by the truth? If it is, I hope and pray that you will, as mighty men of God, find a new place to worship!

I mean no disrespect. But, I believe you understand the direction I am heading in. Our churches should be like the tomb of Jesus! Even if it takes an earthquake, we should have an open door policy where angels are ready to proclaim the Good News that Jesus is not dead but alive and well as He promised. Our entries and hallways should be illumined brightly as on that early morn when the radiance of the Lord was like lightning and the glistening of new fallen snow. We should be greeted with fearlessness and purposeful speech to confirm the very reason for our attendance- to find Jesus! We should not be surprised by the directive to find Jesus in the world where He always was ready to serve God in ministry of hope, peace, love, joy and fervent commitment to do what is right and good. We should not be afraid of the vibrant presence of God which can cause the misguided to freeze in their tracks and shake at the revelation of ultimate truth. We should be intentional in our obedience to follow the Word of God that is given to us because it will show us what we are truly looking for. We should be active and not passive, outgoing and not withdrawn, faithful and not fear-filled, glad and not sad, willing and not wanting, ready and not reserved, evangelists and not eulogizers, empowered and not enabled. Oh, if our churches could be like the tomb of Jesus- full one moment and empty the next because the body of Christ cannot be contained by any one house except the House of the Lord which is being constructed day by day in Heaven; or bigger barns which are constructed to hold what the harvest has been instead of determining the harvest of what will be when faithfulness is set in motion.

What is His Church like that you attend? Is His roof wide enough? Are His supports strong enough? Are His doors and windows able to open wide to let the provision of God in and His people then to go out? Is it a discovery of what was lost, can be found and now is shared? Is it a recovery of the blind, the deaf, the lame and the broken so there is vision and hearing and marching and wholeness? Wow, what Sunday morning can be! Just think, it can be that tomorrow when you go the “The Tomb.” I can’t wait, can you?

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those leading God’s people in worship, praise and service, this weekend
* For the cessation of violence in Syria, Libya, Egypt and the harmony of true peace resound
* For the revealing of all terrorists cells around the world so they may be eliminated by focused prayer and intercession
* For those our presidential candidates who will demonstrate the strength of their character,
strong moral fiber and spiritual decency needed to guide this nation successfully
* For protection from the suffering heat in the hottest year recorded thus far and the end of this
drought now covering 60% of this country (and the more throughout the world)
* For the future of this nation whose leadership has taken a giant step away its future as a
positive and Christian nation
* For those who are seeking to put an end to human trafficking that their success would be
overwhelming so that the healing may be equally so
* For the violence to stop in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Turkey and the open roads for peace be made
so that healing may begin and peace rules
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran and Syria
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow making drugs to cost anything it
will cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of the Holy See (Vatican City) and for the Catholic Church
* For strength of mind to regularly workout, eat correctly and lose weight
* For Richard’s vocational situation to find its resolution best suited to serve his family
* For deliverance from cancer in my brother, healing
for Lisa from vertigo attacks; for all the concerns lifted up in LG; healing for Andrew and his mother, Linda; for peace and restoration in Howard’s life and with his family

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* Drew’s mother is improving
* That which is lost shall be found!
* For His Word on vocational strategy and revelation concerning the future and the infusion of a positive attitude

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, thank You for not only giving us the Body of Christ but to make us the Body of Christ so that we might become witnesses of the greatest truth the world can ever know. AMEN.